4 years later
In New York.
Samantha pulled up to the school in her car, ready to pick up her twin babies, Nolan and Nicholas. She gazed through her vehicle window and her heart sank seeing Nolan surrounded by a group of kids, their faces twisted with teasing grins.
Nicholas stepped forward, his small voice firm, “Leave my brother alone! His mole is special just like him.” Nicholas held Nolan's hand, trying to move away from the area but the bullies snickering stopped him,
“What are you going to do if I don't stop?"
“Oh, you are going to tell your dad about us?” one sneered and the group all laughed wickedly. Nolan's eyes swelled with tears but Nicholas stood his ground his hands trembling, “I can handle this situation."
“Oops, just say you don't have one. B*stards!!” The bullies chuckled, slightly pushing Nicholas by the shoulder.
Samantha couldn't hear their conversation because she was away but the other kids mocking gestures towards her child made her skin crawl. “Should I pull my babies out of school again?” she wondered.
“Nolan! Nicholas!" She called out and jumped out of her vehicle. The bullies immediately noticed Samantha's presence, leaving the twins alone.
Nolan and Nicholas raced towards her, their tiny legs moving fast. Samantha crouched down, opening her arms wide. Nolan and Nicholas flung into her warm embrace.
Tears streamed down Nolan's face as he was in his mum's arms.
“Nolan, Sweetie. What's wrong?” Samantha asked, wiping away his tears. Nolan sniffled, “I don't want to wear short sleeves anymore, mummy.” Samantha pulled her babies into a tight hug, she knew she had to do something about the bullying.
“They are only teasing you because you are special, sweetie. I promise I will get rid of those short-sleeved shirts." Samantha understood that the bullying was because of the huge mole on his arm.
She carried Nolan in her arms, she stretched her arm to Nicholas, and she was surprised when he crossed his arms. “Mummy, when will our daddy come visit us?” Nicholas muttered.
Samantha's heart skipped a beat, her twin babies had always been told that their father was busy and that he would visit when he could, but Nicholas's serious tone caught her off guard.
She crouched down, her hand playfully grasping Nicholas's cheeks, “Remember Daddy Is on a big trip, Sweetie? He's super busy right now." She scooped both her twins, carrying them close to her chest despite their weight.
As she buckled them in the backseat, she asked, “Who's ready for dessert?” The twin babies cheered in unison, “I am!"
Nolan's earlier frown was replaced with an excited grin. “I want strawberry-flavored ice cream, mummy!” he chimed. “We want a twin ice cream, Mommy," Nicholas chimed also and they all chuckled.
She turned the steering, peeking at her twin babies playing through the front mirror with love. But as she turned to check the side mirror, her gaze locked on an old vehicle following closely behind.
Samantha's heart pounded in her chest like a drum, her body shivering like leaves. Nicholas noticed his mum's sudden change in behavior and didn't hesitate to ask, “Mummy are you alright?"
Sweat broke down Samantha's spine as she searched on her car map for a nearby police station. She forced a chuckle and made sure she answered her baby, “Of course, baby. I'm fine."
Just a mile close to the police station, she noticed the car following her slow down and then took another corner.
Samantha took in a deep breath, feeling a weight lifting off her shoulders. She hurriedly took a drive home, her heart still racing from the close call. The twin's happy screams filled the air as they hopped from the vehicle. “Aunt Amanda! " they shouted, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
Amanda has been away for months on a business project and her surprise return delighted Samantha and the twins.
Samantha's jaw dropped as she joined the warm embrace, her smile growing wider. “You didn't give me head-ups, Amanda,” she exclaimed, her hands still wrapped around her friend.
“That's what makes it a surprise, girl," Amanda chuckled.
Amanda handed over the twins their favorite chocolates and they squealed with delight, racing off to wash their hands and faces. “Twinnie time, let's get squeaky clean!" Amanda called after them.
As the twins disappeared into their rooms, Samantha turned to Amanda, her eyes wide with fear. “I'm in trouble, Amanda. Someone is watching us."
“What do you mean?" Amanda's brows furrowed.
Samantha grabbed Amanda's hand, her voice barely above a whisper, “I was followed on my way here."
The silence between them grew thick as they exchanged confused glances. “Emily?" They said in unison.
“That reminds me, that b***h called me on my way here and threatened me to stop helping you else, I will be dragged with you. She knows our location..” Amanda confessed
“What? That's insane!" Samantha exclaimed.
“We'll figure something out but first let's get out of here. We can't stay in one place for too long."
Amanda's eyes flashed with determination “We need to pack out, now! I've booked a flight for us." Amanda had prepared for their departure immediately when she heard from Emily.
With urgency, Samantha strode into her room, packing her and the kid's belongings with speed that belied her shaking hands.
“Mummy, are we going to meet Daddy?" Nolan asked, wondering the reason for the sudden packing. Samantha's heart skipped a beat, a forced smile on her face.
“Yay!! I can't wait to show Daddy all my new toys and books,” Nicholas cheered. They eagerly helped Samantha pack, his interest piercing her heart.
Samantha's pretense crumbled as she burst into tears, overwhelmed by the longing in her baby's eyes when they spoke of their father. She dashed out of the room, hiding her tears from her little ones.
In a quiet corner, she broke down, her body shaking with sobs. Her chest trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably.
After composing herself, she headed to California Samantha had left the kids with Amanda while she went for a job interview close to her home.
She carried her laptop and CV and rushed to the corridor because she was already late for the interview, she collided with a solid form. Looking up, she met the piercing brown eyes of Michael looked straight into hers. She tried to stay away but his grip on her waist sent shivers down her spine.
“Samantha! How long will you keep running from us?” Michael asked, his deep voice resonating through her body.
The way he held her waist, his fingers wrapping around her and his gentle voice, sent a shiver down her spine. His touch stirred a memory of a nightstand she had with Michael Kane.